Understanding Macros

Macros are programs that automatically execute a series of functions in PowerPoint to achieve a particular goal. You can easily create a macro without programming by recording a series of tasks that you would otherwise perform yourself. You can record any number of steps in a task, from applying a format to running a slideshow, and choose from a variety of ways to run the macro in the future. Macros are simple to create, easy to run, and can be used throughout an office to standardize the development process, as well as the appearance of presentations. In addition to recording macros, you can create them as Visual Basic for Applications programs.

Note

Macros use Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) as their programming language. Don't worry, however; recording, editing, and using macros requires little or no knowledge of VBA. You can improve your ability to edit and troubleshoot your macros by becoming acquainted with VBA, but many (if not most) users don't interact directly with VBA to create, change, or run their macros.